Chapter 398 Insatiable Ambition

Ashley stood up, smoothing her expression before bowing respectfully to the Queen Mother

Just now, as I was listening. I heard Your Majesty refute the Queen Grandmother’s argument by bringin up how you once took control of the court. In principle, that’s not wrong. However, I believe decisions should be made according to the times. Back then, when the late King passed away, the Prince Regent with misfortune, and His Majesty had only just ascended the throne. The court was unstable, the royal family was vast yet divided, and enemies lurked in the shadows. Under such circumstances, Your Majesty stepping forward to stabilize the situation was both the best and the only option. I can only imagine the struggles and resistance you must have faced.

“But today, things are different. The marquisate has always passed from father to son, never to a daughter Geoffrey has no biological son, but Clark was formally adopted–he mourned Geoffrey as a son, donned mourning garb, and even accompanied his remains back home. Since he fulfilled the duties of a son, he should also inherit the rights of one. Even if Clark were not an option, there are still other male heirs within the Langley family who could rightfully inherit the title. But if the marquicate were passed to the princess instead, the rest of the Langley clan would certainly object. If things spiral out of control, the consequences could be difficult to contain.”

“Difficult to contain?” The King’s brow furrowed. “If I issue an imperial decree, who would dare challenge it

Ashley pressed forward. “Your Majesty, open rebellion may not occur, but unrest is inevitable. While the marquisate belonged to Geoffrey, to the family, it represents their collective honor. They may not dare defy you openly, but Geoffrey had brothers, cousins–men who followed his lead. And now, you ask them to pledge allegiance to a niece? They will never accept it. Even if they do not voice their discontent, they could make things difficult for Isolde in secret. What is meant as Your Majesty’s favor may, in the end, become her greatest burden.”

In truth, Ashley had simply rephrased Catherine’s earlier argument. She hadn’t anticipated the King would ask for her opinion, so she had no prior understanding of the matter. Forced to improvise, she merely reiterated what she had heard.

The King fell into deep thought for a moment before nodding. “You make a valid point. I have made my decision.”

Ashley exhaled in relief, a sense of triumph swelling in her chest.

She hadn’t expected her words to carry such weight with the King. That was truly beyond her wildest expectations.

Her eyes flickered to Isolde, who kept her head lowered, silent and seemingly dissatisfied. Ashley’s satisfaction only grew.

But Catherine was far less pleased. She cast a disapproving glance at Ashley and said coolly. “What you said wasn’t wrong, but even if His Majesty asked for your opinion, you should have known better than to speak so freely.”

credit for her argument. After all, the reasoning she presented had originally come from Catherine herself.

tone. “Forgive me, Your Majesty. I merely

Insatiable

decided, let this matter rest. Ashley.

Isoble–you

leave.”

“Yes, I

would undoubtedly summon her tonight.

stood and curisied. “Your Majesty,

had left. Thelma

King smirked. “I was thinking

blinked in surprise. She had assumed that Ashley’s display of obedience would

the palace, and she’s already speaking so much. Do you think that’s a good sign?” the

the King w sincerely asking for her opinion? She rattled on endlessly, and it was nothing but a rehash of my words- about the family having other male heirs, that a daughter shouldn’t inherit.

that Duke

in shock. “Why? I thought you said the

his eyes twinkling. “I said we’d discuss it later. And now, well who else but you to make the case?”

“So you came here today

If someone is truly capable, does it matter whether they are male or female? Isolde is capable–more than capable. In three to five years, she and Oliver will be crucial

Even Garrett is no longer the man he used to be. While he still holds power and influence, now is the time to bolster Oliver and Isolde’s standing. Otherwise, the military will continue to stagnate. The older generals have become too cautious, too afraid of risk. Just look at how they handled the Zloimond campaign–they have their positions and reputations to protect and fear the backlash of failure. A general who is afraid to

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